09/10/2026
Barbara Carolan, 71, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2023. Like many people living with the condition, she was warned that falls could become more common. Seeking a way to stay active and build her confidence, she joined Land on Your Feet, a judo-based falls prevention program at Harlow Judo Club in Essex. Through the class, Barbara learned how to move safely, improve her coordination, and fall in ways that reduce the risk of injury. What began as a cautious step outside her comfort zone became life-changing, helping her feel stronger, more independent, and less defined by her diagnosis. Her training even helped her avoid serious injury when she later tripped on a broken wall and instinctively used the techniques she had practiced. Today, Barbara credits the program with helping her stay active, confident, and connected to her community.
